Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reputations ❯ part 6 ( Chapter 6 )

REPUTATIONS

PART SIX

* * *

It was noon when Duo cracked one eye open, his foggy mind vaguely registering that he was warm and cozy, his arms wrapped around someone. He smiled sleepily and cuddled closer with the warm body, drawing it closer to him. He nuzzled his head in the soft and sweet dark hair, moaning in delight, his eyes sliding shut again.

"Mummm... Heero..."

"Hmmm..."

Duo's eyes snapped back open when the warmth beneath him sighed in response, inching closer to him. Duo then realized that it was no dream, and was not a pillow he was holding, but Heero. He moved back a little, looking down at the sleeping figure that lay by his side, their limbs entangled.

Heero looked like angel. The light coming from the window behind him gave him an angelical aura, creating a surreal image in front of Duo's eyes. He studied Heero's cherry-red lips, slightly parted, curled up in a tiny, adorable, smile. His messy bangs fell over his closed eyelids, his light breath teasing them, pushing them up and down in a steady rhythm.

Duo felt all warm and gooey inside as he continued watching the sleeping Heero. He grinned secretly to himself, and slowly leaned down, his lips brushing against Heero's.

"You're so beautiful, Hee-chan..." He whispered hoarsely, nuzzling Heero's nose with his own. He then kissed him lightly on the cheek, and carefully sat up, detaching himself from the sleeping boy.

He sent him one last glance, before quietly leaving room, smiling.

He walked down to the kitchen, and warmed himself some coffee. He then sat down by the kitchen table, waiting for Heero to wake up. He eyed his mug with bored eyes, thinking. It might be a while before Heero will wake up, and that means he's gonna have a lot of time on his hands. Time to think. He didn't like that.

So much had happened in the last 24 hours. And this morning... what had happened this morning? He couldn't help himself just then. Heero was so tempting, everything he did or say were sexy in his eyes. He didn't see what the other kids at school saw: a dirty and scrawny little pushover. No. He saw Heero. This beautiful, blue-eyed boy who had the face of an angel and the gentle touch of a small child, exploring the world. Heero had never smelled dirty to him, even if he was. No. To Duo he was always that wonderful mix of ivory and vanilla, which he had smelled in the past.

And this morning, when they were both half asleep, Duo couldn't restrain himself any more, and he had to touch Heero. Feel him, explore him, touch him and kiss him everywhere.

And what was most disturbing, no, more like surprising was that Heero had let him. Did he want this? Does Heero have feelings to him too? He must, otherwise he wouldn't have let him kiss him and touch him. But maybe he was just being submissive. Was he used to the fact that people did with him whatever they wanted? Is that why he let Duo touch him? Because he couldn't resist? Didn't know how to resist?

What if Heero was only doing this as an act of thanks for Duo's help? What if he really hated him inside? What if he was angry with him for what he had done?!

Oh God! What if he had done something bad to Heero?!

* * *

Heero woke up, feeling cold and alone. His hand unconsciously searched the bed next to him, but found nothing but cold sheets. He sighed to himself, turning to lie on his other side, tears threatening to come under his closed eyelids.

It was a dream after all. Duo rescuing him was only an hallucination, probably caused by his hunger. He didn't sleep protected in Duo's arms. Not at all. It was all a dream, and he was all alone.

He remained lying there for a while longer, sinking in self-pity and gloom. The part when Duo kissed his neck, was that a dream too? It must have been, right? It wasn't the fist time he had dreamt such a thing. Duo will NEVER want to really touch him. He was too ugly, too smelly; his bruised body nothing but skin and bones. No one could EVER want him. He could barely bring himself to look at his own body, he hated it so much. So why should anyone else like it? Especially some one as good looking and popular as Duo.

He kept lying there for a long while, lost in his depressing thoughts. Only after a few minutes or so, his mind became clear enough to register the soft music that came from somewhere in the house. He opened his eyes, and turned around, puzzled.

The first thing that came to his mind was: that it was not his room. Then his mind supplied him with the information that it was Duo's room. But how could he know that, if he hasn't been to Duo's room, except in his dream? Or wasn't it a dream?

Heero smiled and got up, throwing the blanket aside.

It was no dream!

* * *

He walked down to the kitchen, following the sound of the radio, playing a silent and pleasant tune. He found Duo standing in front of the stove, stirring something in a large pot. The delicious smell assaulted his senses, and Heero felt his stomach clench painfully, contracting with hunger. It must have rumbled too, or something, for Duo suddenly turned to him, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

"Morning Hee-chan!" He called happily, gesturing at the table. "Hope yer hungry, man, cuz I got bored and decided that I knew how to cook." He turned back to his work.

Heero chuckled silently, walking over to sit by the table. "What are you making?"

"Soup. Don't ask what kind. I just threw whatever into some water, that all."

Again Heero chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "You should have woken me up, I could have cooked."

"Nonsense! You're my guest, and you were tired, and that is finale!"

Heero couldn't help but to smile at that too. This was definitely different than the morning routine in his house. He thought that he could get used to it. That thought was immediately followed by the knowledge that he will never be able to get used to it, and that this freedom, this wonderful freedom, was only temporary.

"There ya go!" Duo announced, settling a large bowl of vegetable soup in front of Heero. "Hope it's eatable."

They ate quietly for a while, and all Duo could do was stare at Heero as he ate. He followed every single movement with his eyes, his breath take away as he watched Heero bring the spoon up to his mouth. How he would love to kiss those delicate lips...

He shook his head and forced himself to look away. There was no point in thinking like that. He will only end up hurting Heero.

As they continues to eat, Duo's eyes wandered back down, and he couldn't help but follow the movement of his hands as he ate the soup. After awhile of watching him like a lovesick teenage girl, his mind registered that Heero's delicate and white hands were cut in various place. He gasped as he remembered Heero had cleaned sharp glass with his bare hands and that memory made him jump out of his chair, eyes narrowing in anger.

Heero looked up, confused. "Duo?"

"I'm such a jerk!" The other boy called, slapping himself in the head. "Jesus!" He continued muttering as he rushed out of the kitchen.

Heero watched him leave, baffled. "Duo?" He called after him, but the boy didn't reply. He didn't want to be next to him anymore? Is that it? That's why he ran?

Heero sniffled and looked back down at his soup. Of course Duo ran... calling himself a jerk... he had probably realized whom he was sitting with. Heero hurried to wipe the tears away. His trembling hand released the spoon and it dropped down with a clatter.

He gazed numbly at the half empty bowl of soup, his vision blurry from tears. "You're not a jerk, Duo, I am. I'm a jerk... for thinking you can ever want me..."

A few tears slid down his pale cheeks, and dropped into the soup.

* * *

Duo rummaged through the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, trying to figure out Joanna's organizing system. She put things in the LAST place he thought he'd find them.

"Damn jerk... I'm such an ass, I swear!" He muttered to himself as he continued searching. "How could I forget he was injured? Shit! And here I ma pretending to care about his welfare! I'm such an ass..."

He eventually found some bandages, band-aid, disinfectant and soft cotton. He hurried to grab them and hurried back downstairs, cursing himself all the while. How can he forget such a thing? All he could think of was how happy he was that Heero was with him. How happy he was to be able to touch the Japanese boy. How happy he was to be the one to help him. To take care of him.

But it was selfish. He might be helping him, but it's only because he's thinking about himself!

"Damn you Maxwell..."

* * *

"Here we go!" Duo called in forced cheerfulness as he re-entered the kitchen. His eyes widened as he saw Heero standing by the table, looking as if he was about to... leave?

"Heero? What's wrong?" He asked, walking into the room.

Heero looked around uncertainly, rubbing his upper arm absent-mindedly. "Tha-thank you for the soup, Duo..." He whispered, refusing to pick his gaze up from the floor.

"You're welcome." Duo replied, eyes narrowing. Something was wrong.

Heero nodded slightly, closing his eyes. "I--- I... I am grateful." He continued quietly, bowing his head. "But I think that I have outgrown my hospitality..."

"What?" Duo called, shocked.

Heero sighed sadly, forcing himself to look up at the braided boy, still standing in the kitchen door. He blinked away a few tears and forced himself to remain calm. "I understand if you don't want me here anymore..."

Duo's mouth dropped open and he gaped at him.

"Thank you for being nice to me..."

What was he saying? Why did he want to leave?

"I'll see you around, I guess..."

When Heero took the first step towards the door, Duo hurried to reach out and grab his wrist. "No!" He called desperately. "Don't leave! Heero! Please!"

Heero tensed at the strong grip, and whirled around to face Duo, eyes wide. "Y-you don't want me to... to leave?"

"No!" Duo quickly assured him. "I... I don't know what I did wrong, but please! Please don't leave!"

Heero's eyes narrowed as he studied Duo's sincere face for a long time.

Duo sighed, letting go of Heero's hand and bowing his head. "Please stay..."

Heero looked down at Duo's hands and his eyes widened as he saw what he was holding. Medical supplies. He jerked his head back up, shocked. "This is for--- for me?"

Duo looked down at what he was holding, and then back up at Heero. He smiled faintly. "Yeah. I'm sorry I didn't notice the cuts before."

A small smile made its way up to Heero's lips.

Duo smiled back, now feeling a whole lot better. "C'mon, lets see if I can practice my medical skills on you..." He said jokingly, pulling Heero gently back to the table.

They both sat down, across of each other, and Duo poured some disinfectant on a soft cotton ball.

"I hope it won't sting too bad..." He mumbled as he reached to take Heero's hand in his. Gently, carefully, he cleaned the cuts, biting his lower lip in concentration. They sat in silence while Duo carefully took care of each and every bloody cut, and then gently bandaged Heero's slim hand. He held the fragile looking palm as gently as he could, feeling how soft the skin was, how warm it was to the touch. Heero's fingers were so delicate looking; he couldn't help but trace his own fingers over them, wanting to know how they felt like.

Heero smiled secretly to himself, watching as Duo traced the pad of his finger over his hand. Duo's movements were so gentle, so caring. Slow and careful as to not hurt him. He couldn't remember being touched with anything but violence for the last eight years. And now... Duo's touch was so... loving. He couldn't help but smile. It made him feel good.

"Here, all done." Duo announced, putting the supplies away. "It didn't hurt, did it?" He asked fearfully, looking worriedly up at Heero.

Heero shook his head, assuring his with a smile.

Duo smiled back. Heero was so beautiful when he smiled...

They sat there in silence for while, Heero examining his now bandaged hands, and Duo trying not to fidget in his seat while he fought to keep from staring at Heero.

"Hey!" He suddenly called, jumping up.

Heero looked at him, startled from his sudden outburst. Duo was so spontaneous- silent one minute, a ball of burning energy the second. He was so unpredictable. And he got so excited about such small things... Heero found that he liked it. Liked it a LOT. Duo was so full of life; he was enjoying every minute of watching him. Usually people didn't act so freely next to him.

"I'll go get ya some towels!" Duo announced and began running out the kitchen.

"Towels?" What the..? "Duo?" Heero called and got up, hurrying after the boy.

"Oh, don't be embarrassed, Hee-chan! I ALWAYS shower in the morning, but you're a guest, so you go first." He explained, walking over to a closet that was set under the staircase.

Heero blushed, but tried not to feel embarrassed at the thought Duo thought he needed a shower. After all, he was only trying to be nice. And a hot shower sounded like heaven right now...

* * *

Halfway through Heero's shower, Duo realized he hadn't brought him clothes to change into, which means he had to bring it to him now. While he was still in the shower. He wondered if he had somehow planed this subconsciously, but then dismissed that dishonorable thought, shaking his head sharply. He was merely thinking about Heero's welfare, nothing else!

Or did he?

He knocked carefully on the door, hearing the water still running from behind it. After waiting a few moments, he got no answer. Sighing to himself, Duo chewed on his lower lip, staring at the door. He slowly raised his hand and knocked softly on the door.

Again there was no answer. Oh well, he did knock, and the water were running so hard that Heero didn't hear him... and he just had to bring him the clothes so...

Taking a deep breath, Duo dared to test the door. It was unlocked. Grinning to himself, he slowly and carefully opened it.

He peeked in cautiously, letting only his head in. He was about to open his mouth and tell Heero about his intentions, but before the words had left his lips, his breath was stolen away by the sight of Heero.

The bathroom was filled with thick clouds of hot steam, making the air moist and warm. The bathtub itself, hidden behind a glass door, also covered in steam, was the only thing that separated Duo from the object of his affection. With wide and gaping eyes, he studied Heero's form, behind the steam-covered glass. He was no more than a smudged and blurry figure behind the screen of steam, but it was more than enough to enchant the braided boy, who stood gawking at the sight.

His eyes followed each and every movement of Heero's hands as he reached down to a shampoo bottle and rubbed it into his thick and messy hair, massaging his scalp with slow and sensual motions. He had to force himself to breathe as he continued watching the stunning boy wash the soap out of his hair, leaning his head back. It was soooooo sexy!

"Shit!" He cursed silently as he felt himself go hard. This was definitely not good!

"Duo?!" Heero's startled voice called quietly, and Duo could see Heero look around from behind the glass.

"Uh... ye-yeah." He swallowed, face completely flushed. He closed his fists around the clothes he brought, and was therefore reminded why he was there in the first place. "Um... I... I brought you clothes!" He blurted out, now totally embarrassed for he was caught standing there, gawking at Heero with a poor excuse to cover for it.

"Oh." Heero let out quietly.

The sound of the running water was all that was heard as both boys kept standing there in an awkward silence.

"Um... Duo?"

Duo flinched and looked up. "Yea-yeah?"

"Thanks for the clothes." Heero let out, and Duo could see the blurry image of his head tilt sideways in amusement. "You can put them there, please." He pointed at a cabinet by the sink.

"Oh! Yeah! Sure!" Duo forced a cheerful tone and did as told. He then turned to the door, his body stiff with embarrassment. He took a deep breath and opened the door, ready to get out.

"Duo?"

Heero's quiet voice startled him and he flinched again. "Yeah?" He turned, carefully eyeing the bathtub.

He saw Heero reach a hand towards the glass door and his face grew hot and red as he saw him wipe a little steam off the glass, just enough so he could peek out. He swallowed hard as Heero's face now became completely visible.

"Were you looking?" The boy asked, his gaze piercing.

"Um..." Again Duo swallowed, hard, and felt himself nod ever so slightly.

Heero's gaze didn't waver and he nodded a little in acknowledgment. He prepared to turn away.

"I'm sorry Heero!" Duo hurried to call. "I'm sorry!"

Heero's lips curled up in a secret smile and he turned away. Duo watched him, confused, as he continued to wash himself. The small spot he had wiped filled with steam once again, and Duo just kept standing there, completely confused. He could have sworn he saw Heero smile...

* * *

"Are you angry with me?" Duo asked quietly as both boys sat down in the kitchen, by the kitchen table. He was sitting opposite to Heero, peeling a peach, which he intended to give Heero once he was done.

Heero shook his head in response, his eyes refusing to leave Duo's fingers as he worked to peel the delicious looking fruit.

"Why did you let me kiss you?" Duo asked then, and Heero tilted his head, a little confused.

"Didn't you want to?"

"Yeah, but..." Duo began, now feeling nothing but self-loathing. Heero was just acting submissive! He didn't want it at all!

His fingers clenched around the knife he was holding and he growled at himself.

"Duo?" Heero called, baffled. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry!" Duo burst, jumping up from his seat. "I'm sorry I forced myself on you, Heero! I'm really REALLY sorry! God! I'm so sorry..." There were tears in his eyes now, and he was fighting down the sobs.

"Duo..." Heero whispered in sympathy, looking up at the upset boy. "You didn't force yourself on me."

"I didn't?" Duo blinked, confused.

Heero smiled slightly. "No, baka. I was actually kinda glad that you... that you wanted to, um, touch me."

Duo gaped at him, slowly sitting back down. "You mean you don't mind? You don't mind if I touch you? Even if I'm... if I'm a... a boy?"

Heero raised an eyebrow in confusion. "You mean you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"You haven't heard the rumors?"

"What rumors?"

Heero bowed his head slightly, blushing. "That I'm gay."

"WHAT?!" Duo burst, jumping out of his seat again. He remembered all the times when Jack and the guys called Heero a faggot, but he thought that they were just being mean. Was this the reason he was so unpopular? But how... how could they... "How could everybody know?"

Heero's blushed a few shades of red. He bowed his head again. "Well, um, I sorta kissed Jonathan Hendrix in the eighth grade..."

"YOU KISSED JONATHAN HENDRIX?!?!?!" Duo was completely stunned. "Football player, team captain John Hendrix!?"

Heero nodded.

"Jesus!" Duo called, throwing himself back into his seat, slapping his own forehead. "Fucking hell..."

"Are you angry?" Heero asked testily.

"Angry?! Uh uh. I don't think that angry would be the right word to describe it..."

"What then?" Heero asked, still afraid of the answer.

Duo frowned. What then? He had NO idea. It didn't change anything. Not at all, actually. So why was he so surprised?

His reputation. That's what mattered. It's one thing to be helping an unpopular boy like Heero, one who indeed seemed to need help. It wasn't that bad. The girls loved him for it, thinking he was so noble for looking after someone like Heero. But he didn't care what the girls thought! It didn't matter at all. He didn't want to impress them. He didn't want them! He wanted Heero!

But if They knew exactly why he wanted to help Heero, if They knew that the tow of them were a couple... his life would be over! A member of The Gang hanging with the school's faggot? Kissing him? Touching him? Wanting him!?

Unacceptable! Jack will want his neck for it, that's for sure.

"Duo?" Heero's uncertain voice brought him back to here and now. He turned to look at Heero, and was shocked to see the pain return to those haunting blue eyes.

At the sight of Duo's face, Heero knew the answer to his question. He could see the battle that raged within the other boy. He sighed and looked away.

"It's okay, Duo. I understand..."

Duo bowed his head as well and sighed deeply. "Heero," He began softly, looking up at him, but Heero turned his head away, his eyes sliding shut.

"I understand if you don't want to be with me like that." Heero whispered, fighting back the tears. He slowly turned his head to look at Duo.

"But we can still be friends." Duo offered, his chest contracting painfully at Heero's heartbroken expression.

"I don't think I can live with a part-time friend, Duo. I just can't." He took a deep breath, and looked up into Duo's eyes, gaze fierce. "You have to make a choice, Duo."

Duo's eyes widened.

"You have to decide what's more important."

Part 7

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